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   Livestock & Feed Programs
Texas Department of Agriculture Hay Hotline

The TDA Hay Hotline is the central clearinghouse for those looking to donate hay or in need of hay for agriculture. This resource is updated regularly.
Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) Emergency Preparation and Response 

TAHC and USDA plan, collaborate, and coordinate with the states’ animal health-related agencies, agriculture industries, and other related agencies and parties. TAHC and USDA work to prevent and respond to foreign animal disease outbreaks, dangerous parasite or pest infestations, and bioterrorism.
                Animal Holding Facilities and Shelters (PDF)
Texas A&M Agrilife Supply Points
Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Special Rangers 
USDA - Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) - LIP provides benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather or by attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal Government. LIP payments are equal to 75 percent of the average fair market value of the livestock.

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP) - cELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish for losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events or loss conditions, including blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary. ELAP assistance is provided for losses not covered by other disaster assistance programs authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, such as losses not covered by LIP. 

   State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund
Many of our fellow Texans are in need of a helping hand. Texas Agriculture Farmers, Rancher, producers and agribusiness owners struggle to rebuildi and pick up the pieces after natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey. As natural disasters continue to impact Texas farmers and ranchers, the need for donations continues.

The STAR Fund (State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund) was created solely with monetary donations from private individuals and companies. STAR Fund money may be used to assist farmers and ranchers in rebuilding fences, restoring operations and paying for other agricultural disaster relief.

Learn more about the STAR FUND here.
   Food and Nutrition Updates



If you are seeking assistance with Food and Nutrition, please visit the following sites:

  • Individuals seeking food package assistance
   Housing Assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) - assistance for lost work time due to disaster 
Temporary Housing Assistance - housing assistance for unlivable residences due to disaster 
Individual and Family Grants - serious need grants for inability to pay necessary living expenses 
Mortgage and Rental Assistance - delinquent payment assistance due to disaster 

 Small Business Administration (SBA)    

Disaster Loan Program - financial assistance to rebuild homes and businesses due to disaster 

   Land and Water Rehabilitation
USDA - Farm Service Agency (FSA):

Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) - The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) helps farmers and ranchers to repair damage to farmlands caused by natural disasters and to help put in place methods for water conservation during severe drought. The ECP does this by giving ranchers and farmers funding and assistance to repair the damaged farmland or to install methods for water conservation.

Emergency Loan Assistance (EM) - The Emergency loan program is triggered when a natural disaster is designated by the Secretary of Agriculture or a natural disaster or emergency is declared by the President under the Stafford Act. These loans help producers who suffer qualifying farm related losses directly caused by the disaster in a county declared or designated as a primary disaster or quarantine area. Also, farmers located in counties that are contiguous to the declared, designated, or quarantined area may qualify for Emergency loans.

USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Emergency Watershed Program (EWP) -The program is designed to help people and conserve natural resources by relieving imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, wind­storms, and other natural occurrences. EWP is an emergency recovery program. All projects undertaken, with the exception of the pur­chase of floodplain easements, must have a project sponsor. NRCS may bear up to 75 percent of the construction cost of emergency measures. The remaining 25 per­cent must come from local sources and can be in the form of cash or in-kind services. Funding is subject to Congressional approval.  

Texas State Soil & Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) - Information on grants, matching funds and soil and water conservation plans. 
Texas Department of Agriculture

Certified and Insured Prescribed Burning Program 
The Prescribed Burning Board (PBB) regulates certified and insured prescribed burn managers who work to control vegetative fuels that can contribute to wildfires. Certified and insured prescribed burn managers help to manage, maintain and restore valuable ecosystems in Texas.

How to Disinfect A Private Well System (in 7 Steps) - PDF
If your well system is contaminated after a flood, here's how to disinfect it.

Texas Forest Service (TFS)  Texas A&M Forest Service serves as the lead agency for the state when it comes to fighting wildfires, and nationally-renowned for work in incident management. 
 
Contact
For Questions, Call
Patrick Dudley, Coordinator for Agriculture Commodity Boards 
and Producer Relations
(512) 787-9966
Patrick.Dudley@TexasAgriculture.gov